At the end of each season, a small group of people around the internet gather online to share lessons learned over the past few months. Be it deep and introspective or light and carefree, the list creates space to look back on moments that mattered, in order to move forward with the gift of fresh perspective and streamline our focus for the season ahead.
In no particular order, here’s mine, and in some small way, I hope it inspires you.
1. Grace Is An Important Key To Living Well
Is it okay to admit I know this, yet with the passing of time, I continue to learn on a deeper level? A big part of my day job as a financial fraud analyst is defined by the ability to assess, analyze and decide, but not always with the luxury of a slow, thoughtful approach. In considering a few interactions over recent months, I see that mindset spilling over into other areas of life, and judging a person or situation too quickly, and without temperance has given me pause.
This past Autumn has been introspective, and when my first inclination is to give a quick analysis and make a snap judgment, I want to look inward instead.
I want to recognize things in my own life that need to be pruned or cultivated, and remember that grace is a key ingredient to live and finish well, when it is received in fullness and given in abundance.
2. Carefully Curated Space Brings a Sense of Inner Calm
In the same way reflection is good for the soul, taking time to cultivate beauty and order at home goes a long way toward fostering peace of mind, especially during a period of overwhelm or transition. Several evenings this Fall have been spent cozied up with the new book, Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith. To quiet the chaos of a busy season, she talks about the importance of self-care for the home, which in turn, translates into self-care for you and your family.
The overarching theme is More Style, Less Stuff, and since the book came out in October, I’ve been slowly savoring the beautiful illustrations and thoughtful content.
Sane space is always a good idea, and having a place to relax and regroup does wonders for an unsettled soul.
3. A Secret Retreat + A Heartwarming Surprise = A Beautiful Blend of Unforgettable Family Time
This year marked a milestone birthday for Mom, and a special anniversary for her and Dad. To celebrate the occasion, our family came together in small droves for a hillside retreat in the red and gold Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. The secret? Mom was the last to know we were all meeting there in what turned out to be a delightful 3 days and 4 nights of good food, crisp mountain air, getting lost on winding rural roads, and a cozy log cabin lodge bursting with conversation and laughter.
In retrospect, I find time well spent carries a rich reward, and the gift of long lasting benefits.
4. A Creative Life Can Take On Many Expressions
For several years, writing a book has been a distant goal of mine, but recently, some of the outlines are beginning to take shape in a different way than I imagined. The thought of sharing real life in fiction form is starting to appeal to me, in a way that brings joy and struggle together, playing out through colorful characters of imagination, but with a reality common to human kind, and a universal heartbeat that spans time and space.
Prayers appreciated as I move forward to see if this is a good direction.
5. Ancient Stories Still Shed Fresh Light On Age Old Wisdom
From the last line item on this list, it’s probably obvious I love a good story. And what better place to watch history unfold than through the sacred pages of God’s Word? It’s been said no matter how many times you read the Bible, there is always something new and fresh waiting to be discovered. Over the past few months, in the books of First and Second Samuel, as I have again walked with David through unparalleled moments of weakness and strength, suffering and victory, I’ve been drawn into a deeper recognition of the strong, confident language David used when speaking of The Lord and His ability to save, deliver and protect. With God in control, he could always see victory on the horizon.
And moving forward, I know that frame of mind is something I want to cultivate more of in my own heart.
6. A Wholehearted Embrace of Creativity Sparks More of The Same
One Sunday morning, Mom and I were having an ordinary conversation about household things when I mentioned the need to get rid of some stuff in an effort to declutter. Ironically enough, at the center of discussion was a letter board I thought would be of more use, but now seemed unnecessary and in the way.
After a few minutes, Mom mentioned an idea to organize and repurpose a spare bedroom, and introduced the thought of creating a family space where kids and adults alike could make room for art and play.
Soon, plans for a Creative Room were born, and my sign now has a home.
Note to Self: Never underestimate the power of an innovative approach, or the wisdom of a genius and talented Mama.
7. Crafting An Elevator Pitch Is Not For The Faint Of Heart
Even as a lover of words, sometimes the right ones elude me, especially when it comes to describing my own work. Recently, in the course of muddling through an online program for writers, I took on the challenge of drafting a mission statement of sorts.
Easy. Right?
I know I want to make room for things that matter, to help us create meaningful lives right where we are, and a concise, brief overview shouldn’t be a problem. But often, I find brevity is much more difficult than a lengthy explanation, and the struggle is real when I end up having more questions than answers.
What feeling, mindset or solution is portrayed through my words? How are they of impact to others, and what action is the reader prompted to take?
I think I have a general idea, and a lens through which to filter the words, but in a vulnerable question, I’ll ask you. What are your thoughts on the subject?
And of course, no pressure. 🙂
Now it’s your turn. Whether it’s an important, heartfelt perspective shift, or a simple life hack that makes everyday living a little easier, what have you learned in the past few months?
I’d love to know.
Feel free to share your thoughts or feedback in the comments below.
Hi Misty, I enjoyed reading your seven things! I especially liked your Creative Room idea – that’s got my creative juices flowing! I can picture that being a wonderful memory-making place for my granddaughters (at my house).
Hi Alyson, I’m grateful the words inspired you! Your plans to create a fun space for your granddaughters sounds lovely 🙂 Our Creative Room is taking shape and I’m enjoying the process. It’s incredible to see what happens when we learn from and encourage one another. I’m thankful for the beauty of God’s design! Thank you so much for taking time to share your thoughts. Blessings as you move forward!
Lovely post, dear Misty. You’ve inspired me to take a second look at what may be cluttering my home.
I have learned to allow the hardness of life to press me into the softness of His hands. Thinking about this calms me in the midst of stuff storms.
Blessings as you work on a book – Wendy 🕊️💙
Thank you, Wendy! I tend to allow extra “stuff” to cloud my vision at times, but am so grateful for the opportunity to clear the clutter and refocus. Your writing is an inspiration to me, and the post this week about daring to make a difference with our words really resonated. I appreciate your work and encouragement!
I just left a long-winded comment… I thought.
Probably best it seems to have disappeared.
Suffice it to say that this is good stuff, Misty!
I think you are so wise to process and assess each season as it passes. Such a good way to deal with issues and tuck away to beauty!
Thank you for sharing.
God bless you!!
Sandy, I’m so sorry that happened but very thankful you took the time to try again. Your encouragement is a blessing. It’s amazing what we uncover when there is room in our hearts and schedules to pay attention. I’m grateful you are walking alongside and we can share in the journey together. Thank you!
Misty, I am a lover of words too. I enjoyed reading this part of your heart very much. A couple things came across my mind. You are a wonderful story teller, I felt like you were reading to me. Written in short paragraphs, yet packed with thoughtful insights, which made my heart wander as to how much I could relate in my own life.
Jesus walked everywhere, was never in a hurry. I felt like that is exactly what you are doing. Walking through every season, taking opportunities to learn and enjoying the journey by sharing it with us. You are not in a hurry. I loved the time you spent with your mom, preparing a room that would hold good times for all who came.
How can I prepare my spaces, in my heart, home, and my time with Jesus? That is what jumped out at me.
Today I sang to the Lord, it makes me happy. When I am singing my mind can not wander to problematic areas.
Thank you for this fellowship today. 💕
Elaine, Thank you very much for taking time to express this, your words are a gift to me. I feel your heart and love they way you spoke of preparing space in our heart, home and time with the Lord. I’m grateful the post resonated with you and I truly appreciate your insight and encouragement. Thank you! 🙂